Thursday, January 31
Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid Expansion
Your recent editorial ["Expanding Medicaid Good For Virginia," The Connection, January 23-29, 2013] is noble in its desire to "extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance." If public policy making were just that easy. The editorial then goes on to indifferently say, "the Federal government picks up the tab.
Editorial: Extreme, But Brief, Volunteering
More than 150 volunteers needed to survey chronic homeless for three days in February.
The real solution to homelessness is housing. This week in Northern Virginia, a point-in-time survey will record all of the “literally homeless” individuals and families in the region. Last year, on Jan. 25, 2012, there were 1,534 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community; 697 of them were single individuals and 837 were people in families. A third of the total number of homeless were children. Nearly 60 percent of the adult members of the homeless families were employed.
Wednesday, January 30
Classified Advertising Jan. 30, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
McDonald’s Donates $4,200 to Fairfax County Schools
On Friday, Jan. 18, the McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. presented Fairfax County Public Schools with a check for $4,200.
A Chorus of Praise
Fairfax County mentors celebrated during National Mentor Month.
Can we get an “amen?” The joyful noise coming from the David R. Pinn Center in Fairfax on Saturday wasn’t a gospel revival, but it was just as inspiring and enlightening.
Column: A Simple Question
I don’t quite know how to start this column so I’ll begin with its ending: “I’m fine.”
Nazi Commonwealth
Bipartisan team seeks compensation for victims of forced sterilization.
Nobody knows how many people are survivors of Virginia’s forced sterilization program, which targeted people with mental illness, mental retardation or epilepsy. But a bipartisan effort now under consideration in Richmond would hand each and every one of them a $50,000 check from the people of Virginia. According to one calculation, that could mean as much as $73 million.
Indoor Winter Fun with Children
Ideas for entertainment when Jack Frost appears.
Winter weather often means limited open air playtime for some children. “It is very important for children to get as much outdoor activity as possible, but there are times when it is not safe for them to be outside for an extended length of time, or any time at all, because it is too cold. ” said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Education Department at Marymount University in Arlington. “There are many other things that children can do besides sledding and ice skating.”
Winter Fun with Food
Easy and tasty ideas for winter meals.
The stove is fired-up, a sauté pan is sizzling and the thud of a steel knife blade hitting a wooden chopping block fills the air along with the woodsy aroma of fresh thyme. The temperature outside is frigid, but the kitchen feels like an inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drives a knife though a fennel bulb, kale leaves and a tough-skinned butternut squash with staccato succession.
Tuesday, January 29
Getting Their Market Share
Langley Sophomore market school, nonprofit events.
While sitting in their Introduction to Marketing Class, several Langley High School sophomores decided that they enjoyed it so much, they would try it in real life. Almost a year later, the members of the Pyramid Marketing Group are finding success working to promote local charity and school events.
Public Comment Open for Riverbend Master Plan
Master plan revision, first since 1975, is expected to go before park board in April.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the latest draft master plan revision for Riverbend Park Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Grange in Great Falls. The 411-acre park features two miles of land along the Potomac River. It was last master planned in 1975.
Saxons Remain Undefeated
Collier’s 23 points lead Langley past South Lakes.
The Langley boys' basketball team defeated South Lakes on Dec. 14.
Langley Tightens Defense, Beats Fairfax
Saxons hold Rebels to seven points in final 11 minutes.
The Langley boys' basketball team extended its winning streak to six games.
Helping Children in Honduras
The Great Falls Middle School Interact Club bakes for Honduras on National Day of Service.
The Great Falls Middle School Interact Club, a youth organization of the Great Falls Rotary Club, took to the local sidewalks on the National Day of Service, Saturday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 20, to raise money and awareness for their international youth project—helping children in Honduras.
Recollections of Great Falls, 1901-2000
Group conversations—four Mondays in February—and you are invited.
The Great Falls Historical Society is preparing a documentary film on "Life in Great Falls, 1901 to 2000" as part of the upcoming Great Falls Day celebration, to be held on Sunday, May 5.
Slavery to Reconstruction Presented in Great Falls
Professional historian Marion Dobbins discusses the role of slavery in Northern Virginia.
Marion Dobbins is a seventh-generation Virginian, born and raised in Fairfax County. As an African-American child, she sat at her grandmother’s knee listening to the rich heritage of her ancestors. Her grandmother’s stories of the past inspired her to become a professional historian.
Friday, January 25
Classified Advertising Jan. 23, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, January 24
Editorial: Expanding Medicaid Good for Virginia
Real health coverage for an additional 400,000 people is in reach.
Virginia has an opportunity to expand Medicaid in a way that could extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance while the Federal government picks up the tab; Virginia would pay 10 percent of the additional cost after 2020.
News Briefs
As Democratic delegates fight to keep firearms further from school property, Republican Bob Marshall (D-13) is pushing legislation to bring more guns in. Marshall is the chief patron of HB 1557, which would require every school board in the state to designate one volunteer to carry a concealed weapon on school property. Training for selected volunteers would be provided by either the Virginia Center for School Safety or the NRA, of which he is a member.
Four Northern Virginia Senators Targeted
Redistricting effort puts Fairfax County seats in the spotlight.
Four Northern Virginia state Senators are targets of a Republican-led effort to draw new districts — Sen. George Barker (D-39), Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34). Democrats say the redistricting effort is a cynical attempt to take advantage of the absence of Sen. Henry Marsh (D-16), a prominent civil rights veteran, who was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration on Monday. But state Sen. John Watkins (R-10) of Powhatan defended the effort as a way to create a sixth majority black Senate district in Southside. It passed the Senate on a 20-to-19 vote.
Making Schools Safer
Two Northern Virginia Democrats take part in panel to consider school security.
Do Virginia schools need more guns? That question is at the heart of a debate that’s now reaching a fever pitch in the commonwealth, especially after a man with a Bushmaster assault rifle blasted his way into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 children and six adults before killing himself. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell responded to the tragedy by creating a School Safety Task Force, which is considering a proposal for every school in Virginia to have an armed school resource officer.
Column: The Best of Intentions, I’m Sure
Regularly, throughout my now nearly four years of living as a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer “diagnosee”/survivor, I have had conversations where the person with whom I’ve been speaking–in response to a query of mine, said about a particular set of their circumstances: “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I mean, it’s not cancer, so it’s not as bad as what you’re (meaning me) going through.” Said with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity to me of course, and with my feelings/reaction most definitely in mind; for a long time, I simply acknowledged their empathy/sympathy and continued on with our conversation as if no emotional pot–of mine, had been stirred.
Wednesday, January 23
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2012
In December 2012, 13 Great Falls homes sold between $3,900,000-$600,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2012
Tuesday, January 22
Fairfax Families4Kids
Fostering bonds with children.
Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In many states, including Virginia, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 25 years. As of Sept. 30, 2011, nearly 5,000 youth were in foster care in Virginia, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Physical abuse is the most common reason children enter foster, but it’s not the only reason. Often there’s emotional abuse, sexual abuse and the parent or caretaker’s inability to provide a safe environment due to substance abuse.
A Family Made Whole
After a tragic loss, Reston couple creates a family through adoption.
The Granvilles look like a made-for-TV family. On a bright October afternoon, Chris, a computer engineer, is teasing his teenage son, Kenny, about what kind of pet to adopt, while Tiffany sits on a sofa, cradling Elijah, Kenny’s baby brother, who has just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Fish? No way,” Kenny, 15, says. “They just go ‘round and ‘round in a bowl.” Kenny is lobbying hard for a dog or—at the very least—a guinea pig or hamster.
Neil Simon’s ‘Proposals’ Presented in Vienna
Vienna Theatre Company presents a light-hearted glimpse into family relationships
At home in the Vienna Community Center, the community theatre draws local thespians and artistic and technical crew
Flint Hill School Honors War Hero, Department Head
Regimental dagger of Col. Alan Ferguson-Warren presented to school
“When you were around Colonel Warren, you got the feeling that you were in the presence of an immense personality and huge moral authority. . . . We all knew there was something extraordinary about this man.” — Jerry Jasper, president, Ferguson-Warren Society, Flint Hill School
Vienna Residents Support Warrior Canine Connection
Helping to bring the healing power of the best dogs to Wounded Warriors.
Vienna residents Patty Kennedy and Katherine Hutt have a lot in common.
New York Life Names Vienna Resident 2012 Council Vice President
New York Life has named Jim Adkins, of Vienna, as its 2012 council vice president.
Spring Hill Chorus Sings Nation Anthem at Wizards’ Game
Spring Hill Elementary Chorus sang the National Anthem for the Wizards’ basketball game at the Verizon Center.
McLean Senior Source Volunteer Opportunity
Do you love living in McLean? Want to help make it easier for you, your friends and your neighbors to continue to live and “age in place?”
On Guns: The ‘Right Thing’—Really?
I was very intrigued by the letter on "Doing the Right Thing on Guns" [Connection, January 16-22, 2013].
Program Tackles Drinking Culture
McLean High School hosts first ‘Perils of College Drinking Culture’ presentation of year.
Exploring Perils of Drinking Culture:The Jan. 17 program at McLean High kicks off the latest series of “The Perils of College Drinking Culture” in the area. The program will also be held: * Thursday, May 16, at Westfield High School in Chantilly. * Wednesday, May 22, and Wednesday, July 31, at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The program will be at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. All events will be from 7 to 9 p.m., and admission is free. More information can be found at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.
McLean Orchestra to Perform for Alternative House Children
On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m., the McLean Orchestra and the McLean Youth Orchestra will do a first ever “side-by-side” concert.
Their Dreams
Studying Martin Luther King’s speech at Churchill Road
Students created a bulletin board of their own dreams by completing the phrase: “I had a dream that…”
Provocative Lyrics, Rock Score
McLean Community Players present award-winning musical “next to normal
Where and When McLean Community Players present "next to normal" at the Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean. Performances: Feb. 1-16, 2013, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets: $18-$20. Call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleanplayers.org. Note: Mature themes and language, most suitable for ages 15 and up.
Letter: Getting Back to Business
Virginia is no longer “the best state [in which] to do business.”
MPA Announces New Board Members and Officers
The board of McLean Project for the Arts has selected new officers and four new members.
Monday, January 21
A 10-Year Mission: End Homelessness
Our Fairfax-Falls Church community is one of the most affluent in the country. Our schools are second to none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 businesses. Even with the challenging economy, our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country.
Sunday, January 20
Classified Advertising January 16, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, January 18
Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have
Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.
The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.
Thursday, January 17
Editorial: Transportation Money
Eliminating the gas tax makes no sense.
Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is woefully short on funds for transportation. One reason is that its gas tax, a logical way to fund transportation infrastructure, is one of the lowest in the nation, and has remained flat since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for inflation. So the buying power of the gas tax has been dwindling.
Wednesday, January 16
Cooper Middle Students Visit Pine Spring Elementary
On Wednesday Dec. 19, 40 Cooper Middle School students visited their sister school, Pine Spring Elementary, and threw a holiday party.
Traveling Down A Familiar Road
Transportation funding, education top agenda at town hall with Sen. Petersen, Del. Keam.
“The biggest example of ‘tragic mismatch’ since I wore madras slacks and white socks in 1980 to my first middle school dance.” That’s how Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) described Republican Governor Robert McDonnell’s transportation funding plan, which calls for an increase in the sales tax and eliminates the $17.5 cents per gallon gas tax.
Area Roundups
Resiliency Expert to Speak at Robinson
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson—Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create 'Bounce Back’ Kids—on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School. This free presentation is designed for parents, school staff, and community members.
District Orchestras Perform at Langley High
Langley High hosts District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras.
One hundred and sixty-five students from 11 middle schools and 14 high schools participated in District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras Jan. 4-5 at Langley High School. Guest conductors worked with the students for two days and presented a superb concert.
Letter: A Vote to Remember
I was interested to read Supervisor John Foust's column about the challenges facing Fairfax County in 2013, and especially his comments about the financial challenges the county faces [Challenges Facing Dranesville in 2013, Connection, Jan. 2-8, 2013].
Letter: Doing the Right Thing on Guns
The issue of gun control has been in the news lately, with everyone from President Obama to a British TV host voicing their opinion since the tragic shooting in Newton, Conn.
Tuesday, January 15
The New Year, Same as the Old Year?
Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.
Group Protests at CIA Headquarters
Anti-torture organization fasts, blocks off entrance.
The Dolley Madison Boulevard entrance to CIA Headquarters was rendered impassable the morning of Saturday, Jan. 12, as more than three dozen people in orange prison jumpsuits and black hoods over their heads lined up to protest actions taken by the intelligence agency in recent years.
McLean Chocolate Festival Returns
New venue allows for more attendance, vendors.
The McLean Rotary Club will welcome chocolate lovers from all over Sunday, Jan. 27 at McLean High School for the second annual McLean Chocolate Festival.
Friday, January 11
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2012
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2012
Classified Advertising Jan 9, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, January 10
Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?
2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.
The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.
Wednesday, January 9
Parents Plead for Delay in Training Center Closing
Timeframe for closure puts disabled adults at risk, advocates say.
When it was Kenneth Gans’ turn to speak to the panel of Virginia state legislators, the 78-year-old father of a severely-disabled son kept his remarks brief.
A ‘Very Good Year’ Ahead
2012 banner year for real estate in McLean and Great Falls.
The overall number of real estate transactions was up in 2012 over 2011 by 11.7 percent in McLean and Great Falls. By delving deeper into the data, it reveals that all price points experienced a gain in number of sales year over year in this market segment.
Week in Great Falls
Fundraiser supporting Great Falls Lacrosse Association, Great Falls School of Art adds two new teachers, and Lifetime Leadership Program to hold information sessions
Great Falls School of Art Students Exhibit at Artists’ Atelier Gallery
Students of the Great Falls School of Art will showcase their work during the month of January at The Artists’ Atelier Gallery.
Favola, Comstock Set Session Priorities
Legislators begin General Assembly session Jan. 9.
Members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Great Falls, Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34), spoke at the McLean Community Center Wednesday, Jan. 2.
“If It Ain’t Broke…”
Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.
Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area
Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.
Express Buses from Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.
Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.
Fairfax Symphony Announces String Competition
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announces dates for the 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition.
Friday, January 4
Classified Advertising January 2, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Challenges Facing Dranesville in 2013
Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville) discusses New Year’s expectations.
In 2013, we will again confront many challenges, at the county level as well as in the McLean, Great Falls, Herndon, Falls Church and Vienna communities in the Dranesville District. I will continue to address our challenges by seeking input and suggestions from my constituents and by working with my excellent staff to provide leadership. Some of the more significant issues I expect to deal with in 2013 are discussed below.
Express Lanes Completed, Metrorail Arrives in 2013
Something to celebrate for area motorists.
In 2012, the completion of the 495 Express Lanes and progress made on Phase One of the Dulles Metrorail were something to celebrate for area motorists faced with lane closures and detours for the past few years.
Thursday, January 3
Cooper Middle Students Visit Pine Spring Elementary
On Wednesday Dec. 19, 40 Cooper Middle School students visited their sister school, Pine Spring Elementary, and threw a holiday party.
Celebrating Christmas on 12-12-12
Cooper Middle School Chorus & Orchestra performs in the Great Falls Historical Society event.
The Great Falls Historical Society delighted in the Christmas Carols sung and played by Cooper Middle School students at our Old Fashioned Christmas held at the historic Great Falls Grange on Dec. 12. The energetic and spirited music teachers and talented students filled the hall with warm holiday cheer and good tidings.
Bob Gilbert Exhibits at Great Falls Library
Great Falls artist Bob Gilbert is exhibiting in the Great Falls Library from Jan. 2 to Feb. 1. He will be displaying over 30 original oil paintings of Manhattan. The paintings range in size from 11x16 to 36x72 inches. Most of them will be 24x30 and 24x36. All of them will be for sale at Gilbert’s solo exhibit.
Happy New Year, Keep in Touch
Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.
Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year
Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.
Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.
The Quest for Youth and Beauty
Spending billions of dollars to improve one’s appearance.
Hiba Hakki reclines on an exam table as a physician picks up a syringe with his latex-gloved hand and points it at her face. He inserts the needle into the flesh around her eyes. She cringes slightly. This is a Botox injection, just one of the cosmetic procedures Hakki undergoes for the sake of beauty.
Lines of My Life
Like most people, I have material, so to speak, that I use repeatedly (ad nauseam, some might say). Most are lines from “The Three Stooges,” “M*A*S*H,” “Star Trek” (the original) and “Seinfeld.” As I entered into the cancer world, I continued to use this material – where/when appropriate, as many of you regular readers know. However, as my time in the cancer conundrum has continued (thank God!) and evolved, I have found myself uttering and muttering à la “Popeye the Sailor Man,” amusing myself, mostly, but always with the best of intentions: my survival. A few examples follow. (My answers are in quotes.)
Coming in From The Cold
A night at Burke United Methodist Church’s hypothermia prevention shelter.
Musa L. gently draped a blanket over his wife, and promised her the new year would be better for both of them. She was sleeping on a foam pallet at the Burke United Methodist Church. Musa and his wife were among nearly 40 homeless adults seeking shelter from the frigid temperatures at the church on Friday, Dec. 21.
Readers of the Pack
What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.
According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.
Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?
Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.
Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.
Wednesday, January 2
McLean Girls’ Basketball Wins Chantilly Tournament
Murphy named MVP, Lee makes all-tournament team.
The McLean girls' basketball team has won six in a row.